Friday, March 24, 2006

Zambia is a nation of almost 11 million people and almost all of them have seen more than their fair share of suffering. The nation has been ravished by the AIDS pandemic and poverty is a reality for 80-90% of its citizens. The HIV infection rate is as much as 25% of the population in some age groups.

"I'ts very hard to find a family in Zambia that hasn't been personally touched. It's very hard to find a child that hasn't seen or witnessed a death related to HIV/AIDS. The extended family in the community structure, they've really broken under the weight of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and poverty, and when the burden becomes too great, families are unable to cope anymore, and so we're seeing tremendous numbers of orphans and children who are no longer able to be cared for by their extended family." - Stella Goings, UNICEF

While to some, Zambia ( and Africa for that matter), may seem like a lost cause, we know that we serve a God who specializes in lost causes. And any lasting change that is going to come in Zambia is going to come through Jesus Chirst. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life! He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die!" (John 11:25-26). Zambia's present help and her future hope is in the Person of Jesus - and in Him alone! A lasting solution will come from nowhere else. And that is why we endeavor to assist in the building and strengthening of the national church in Zambia. Zambia doesn't need religion! One can hardly drive 40km on any of Zambia's roads without passing a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall. Islamic organizations are engaged in massive recruitment efforst all accross Africa, offering free medical care and education at their universities to those who would join their ranks. And the frightening truth is that desperate people will turn to anything for help in desperate times. That is why we must labor dillegently to help build God's church in Zambia. We are praying for a great Pentecostal revival in this nation and we envision a day when there is a Spirit filled church in every village and community!